New SEIA resources help consumers understand solar benefits in IRA

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced that it is releasing a new and updated resource pack for consumers to meet the increased demand for solar energy created by the Inflationary Reduction Act (IRA).

With IRA incentives in place and energy costs weighing on family budgets, consumers are looking to add solar and storage to their energy mix. SEIA’s new resources are designed to help make the process as easy and simple as possible so they can make the best decision for their family.

“The Inflation Reduction Act has sparked a new wave of interest in reliable, low-cost solar energy,” said SEIA President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “SEIA’s new consumer education resources help meet this transformative moment and empower all Americans to confidently take advantage of our solar-powered future.”

The materials released today are part of SEIA’s Consumer Protection Portal, a collection of free information that helps consumers navigate solar energy and helps businesses navigate complex consumer protection laws.

For consumers, SEIA releases an updated Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Energy that explains the basics of solar and storage and shares residential financing options, smart shopping tips and frequently asked questions. In addition, SEIA has updated its fact sheets on the Section 25D Residential Tax Credit and the California Net Payment Program so consumers can understand how to use these incentives to get the most out of their solar installation.

Now that stand-alone energy storage systems qualify for federal incentives under the IRA, many consumers are also adding batteries to increase flexibility and run their homes on 24/7 solar power. SEIA’s new resources explain the benefits of solar + storage systems, share information about which systems qualify for tax credits, and offer advice on questions consumers should ask when considering a solar + storage system.

For businesses, SEIA has created a Consumer Protection 101 video course that is part of its flagship Solar 101 program and is available for free at SEIA’s Online Learning Center. In the coming months, SEIA will also conduct a comprehensive update of its Consumer Protection Sourcebook, an overview of state and federal laws related to consumer protection in the solar industry.

In order to make these resources as accessible as possible, the CSGG is also in the process of translating the Consumer Protection Portal documents into Spanish.

“Solar power remains one of America’s most popular energy sources, and these new tools will help more Americans tap into solar power for the first time,” Hopper said.

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